Goddess Cave Cableway in Lugu Lake, Lijiang
Overview
The Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway (泸沽湖女神洞索道) is the only cable car at Lugu Lake (泸沽湖), situated on the highest sacred mountain of the area, Gemu Mountain (格姆女神山). In operation since June 2004, the cableway has been safely serving visitors for over 12 years. It stretches a total length of 1,500 meters and operates on a bi-directional loop, taking approximately 20 minutes for a one-way trip. The cable car can handle a maximum incline of 45°, operates at a speed of 1.25 meters per second, and features a vertical drop of 642 meters. With a capacity of 300 people per hour, the cableway comprises 100 chairs and 15 supporting pillars. It is equipped with vertical rescue devices and a professional emergency response team, ensuring passenger safety through regular inspections, including weekly, monthly, yearly, and major repairs. Each year, it undergoes an annual inspection by the Special Equipment Inspection Bureau, and it is certified by the National Cableway Inspection Center every three years.
- Chinese Name: 泸沽湖女神洞索道
- English Name: Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Ticket Price: 110 RMB
- Operational Since: June 2004
- Total Length: 1,500 meters
- City: Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Location: Nisa Village (尼赛村), Yongning Township (永宁乡), Ninglang County (宁蒗县)
Tourist Information
The Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway project includes several tourist experiences such as the uplift road, cableway, mountain walkway, Monkey King Paradise, panoramic viewing platform of Lugu Lake, Goddess Cave, and slide.
The cableway, with a total length of 1,500 meters, is the only access to Gemu Mountain (格姆女神山), the sacred mountain of the Mosuo people (摩梭人). The panoramic viewing platform of Lugu Lake offers the best vantage point in the area, allowing visitors to appreciate the entire beauty of the lake. The Goddess Cave (女神洞), a site of deep religious significance to the Mosuo people, stands at an altitude of 3,450 meters and contains wondrous natural formations and mythical stories that captivate visitors.
As such, the Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway project not only provides visually stunning sightseeing experiences but also integrates the rich cultural values of Mosuo culture.
Key Highlights
- 280-meter Uplift Road: Approximately a 5-minute journey through lush greenery as you ascend into the forest.
- 1,500-meter Cableway: A 20-minute ride offering breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
- 400-step Mountain Walkway: A 10-minute walk past ancient trees and playful monkeys, immersing you in the wild.
- Arrival at the Goddess Cave: Standing at an altitude of 3,450 meters, the full view of Lugu Lake is spectacular.
- 340-meter Slide: A 5-minute fun descent on a handbrake cart, bringing joy as you glide down the mountain.
- Seasonal Attractions: Enjoy sunrises, cloud seas, misty rain scenes, and the snow-covered landscape, each offering a unique charm throughout the year.
Attraction Descriptions
Gemu Mountain (格姆女神山) – A Sacred Mountain for the Mosuo People
Gemu Mountain, also known as Lion Mountain (狮子山), is located next to Nisa Village (尼赛村) on the northern shore of Lugu Lake. It is the highest mountain surrounding Lugu Lake and serves as the best viewpoint for panoramic views of the lake. Visitors can take the cableway from the base to the summit, reaching the Mosuo’s sacred site—the Goddess Cave (海拔3450米). On the 25th day of the seventh lunar month each year, during the Mosuo Mountaineering Festival (摩梭转山节), the Mosuo people ascend the mountain to pay homage to the Gemu Goddess (格姆女神).
Goddess Cave (女神洞) – The Divine Abode of the Mosuo
Also known as the Goddess Palace (女神宫), the Goddess Cave is situated at the neck of Lion Mountain (狮子山) and sits at an elevation of 3,450 meters (the main peak is 3,770 meters). The cave entrance faces Lugu Lake, and the viewing platform in front of the cave is ideal for taking photos of the lake. The platform is adorned with wind chimes, allowing visitors to make wishes for blessings from the Gemu Goddess. According to local Mosuo beliefs, asking the Gemu Goddess for children or safety is particularly effective.
Inside the cave lies a world of wonder, with interconnected chambers showcasing natural formations that resemble various mythical and religious elements. The cave features:
- Goddess Water Pool: Legend has it that a young couple facing infertility prayed to the Gemu Goddess for a child. After drinking the sacred water she provided, they conceived. Drinking from the Goddess’s water can dispel disasters, cure illnesses, and ensure safety and longevity for a peaceful life.
- Valley of Confinement: A Mosuo named Zili sought help from the Goddess for his ill mother. He took a pearl from the Goddess’s treasure chest home for her. Soon, his mother recovered and the family prospered. However, another person named Juyu learned of this and stole the treasure, leading to a thunderstorm that trapped him in the valley, giving it the name “Valley of Confinement” (困人谷), also known as “Heart Trial Valley” (试心谷).
- Heavenly Ladder: There is a tangible ladder that leads into the flower room and an intangible one that leads to heaven. A wise Mosuo person realized that it is better to cry alone than to let others be sorrowful. Following this principle, he helped others and was revered as a “Living Bodhisattva” (活菩萨).
- Treasure Chest: The treasure chest of the Gemu Goddess contains eight phrases of heavenly scriptures. The phrases reflect the values of kindness, humility, and steadfastness:
- 心中有高楼，品如莲根洁。
- 底子要打牢，德比泰山高。
- 善事不图报，高贵眼向下。
- 良心无动摇，尚可屹朝朝。
How to Get There
To reach the Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway, you can drive or take a local bus from Lijiang (丽江). The cableway is located in Nisa Village (尼赛村) in Yongning Township (永宁乡), Ninglang County (宁蒗县).
Directions:
- By Car: Follow the directions to Lugu Lake. Look for signs leading to the Goddess Concavity Cableway upon nearing Nisa Village.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Lijiang to Lugu Lake. Once you arrive at the lake, local transportation can take you to the cableway.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best views and lighting for photography.
- What to Bring: Bring a camera for the stunning scenery, comfortable shoes for walking, and possibly a light jacket as it can get chilly at higher altitudes.
- Respect Local Customs: While visiting the Goddess Cave, be respectful of the cultural significance of the site to the Mosuo people and refrain from disturbing the natural environment.
The Lugu Lake Goddess Concavity Cableway offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in Yunnan Province (云南省).
